1864mar19

1864 Mar 19

Thunderbolt Battery

March 19, 1864

Dear Jane,

I will commence this letter today and if you get it, you will know that I am well at this time, and hope you are, too, trusting that you all may keep well.

I have nothing of importance to write.

I was on guard last night.  The Yanks are getting thick about here.  I could see their fires burning all night, last night.  We had a courier from Isle of Hope last night about three o’clock.  They sent him up here to know what so much fire meant out on the islands.  You need not be surprised at any time to hear of a fight here.  I believe a demonstration will be made soon.  The Negroes are all sent away from here.  One gang is just now gone.

I have not read a letter from you in 8 or 10 days.  I think I will get one today.  I will wait until the mail comes and if I don’t get one, I will mail this in the morning.  I wish I could get one.

We get beef to eat now.

I am studying artillery tactics now and infantry, also.

I am nearly out of money, but I reckon we will draw the first of April.  We could have drawn now, but we wanted to wait for the new issue.  I can borrow as much as I want, if I need it.

Mr. Benson is very well.  Mr. Orear is well, also.  Mr. Whatley is not well.  He has the chronic diarrhea and is very much troubled with it.

March 20.

I am still well.

I believe I will finish my letter anyhow.  Maybe I will get one when the mail comes.

I have drawn a new canteen, haversack, and knapsack.  I am going to send my old one home the first chance I get, and some old clothes in it.

We have some talk of peace here now.  I hope it will soon be.  I do want to go home the worst in the world.

It is said that we will have to go to Mississippi this spring.  General Beauregard is now assigned to duty in that department and says the 63rd Georgia must go with him.  I am afraid it is true.  I don’t want to go to Mississippi, but I think we have stayed at Savannah as long as we can stay.  They will keep at work until they get us off.

You must take good care of your cow and calf because they will do you for milk, bread, and meat.  I know Mollie loves milk and so does Dick.

I am going to go to town to get Mollie a little spelling book.  I want you to learn her to read her ABCs.  Take good care of my baby.  I want her to have a good education.  If I have good luck, I am going to give her a classical education.

I will close by subscribing myself yours faithfully, etc.

Good-bye.  Write soon.

W. H. Harden

March 21.

I am still well, with nothing new to write.  I will send a ring in this for Mollie.  I ain’t got time to finish.  You must put it in hot water and press it straight.

W. H. H.

(a little ring for Mollie)